2009 BMW 120 vs. 1958 BMW 501
To start off, 2009 BMW 120 is newer by 51 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 BMW 501. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 BMW 501 would be higher. At 3,168 cc (8 cylinders), 1958 BMW 501 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 120 (175 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1958 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1958 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 BMW 501 weights approximately 20 kg more than 2009 BMW 120.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2009 BMW 120 (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 128 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 BMW 501. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 BMW 501.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 120 | 1958 BMW 501 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 120 | 501 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1958 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 3168 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1405 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1860 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2840 mm |
